Gaming machine with action unit display

ABSTRACT

A gaming device including a game apparatus enabling a player to play the game, the gaming device having: one or more movable display objects located within a housing; a game surface configured to allow interaction of the display objects with one or more receptacle elements capable of receiving the display objects, where the game surface further includes openings capable of receiving each of the receptacle elements; and a receptacle actuator for controlling the position of the receptacle element relative to the game surface, is disclosed. Typically, the receptacle element or the movable display object may be associated with at least one game-related symbol or image corresponding to the prize to be awarded. In addition, a method of playing a game involving placing a wager using the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/205,230 filed Aug. 15, 2005. This applicationalso claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.60/714,023 filed Sep. 2, 2005. All of the above referenced applicationsare hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming device and a method of use.More specifically, the gaming device includes a game surface configuredto allow interaction of movable display objects with one or morereceptacle elements capable of capturing the display objects to convey agame outcome.

Gaming Devices

Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gamingdevices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users orplayers to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcomeof the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event.For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator togenerate a random or pseudo-random number. The random number may then becompared to a predefined table to determine the outcome of the event. Ifthe random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table,the player may win a predefined prize. The table may also containdisplay information that allows the gaming device to generate a displaythat corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device maypresent the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices,such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.

Bonus Prizes

Some gaming devices award bonuses in addition to prizes that are awardedin the primary game. A bonus can be defined as an additional prize thatis awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of abonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 issued to Adams. Oneof the gaming devices described in this document comprises threespinning reels and a spinning wheel bonus display. When predeterminedindicia are displayed on the spinning reels of the primary game, thewheel can be activated to indicate a bonus prize. The bonus prize isawarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.

Generally, bonus prizes are offered in such games in order to increasethe excitement and enjoyment experienced by players. This attracts moreplayers to the game and encourages players to play longer. When gamingdevices attract more players and the players play longer, they tend tobe more commercially successful relative to other gaming devices.

Display Devices

In addition, highly visible display devices are utilized on gamingdevices in order to attract players. Once players are attracted to thegaming device, they tend to play longer because the display deviceenhances the stimulation and excitement experienced by players. It is,therefore, desirable for gaming devices to incorporate highly visibledisplay devices.

The applicants believe that display devices tend to be more successfulif they are a derivation of a well-known game or theme. They are moresuccessful because players tend to be drawn to games that they instantlyrecognize. Many players are reluctant to try completely new gamesbecause they must spend time to learn the new game. It is, therefore,desirable to provide display devices that are based on well-known gamesor themes.

The applicants also believe that display devices also tend to be moresuccessful if they utilize physical objects rather than simulations.Although video devices and electronic signs can be used for displaydevices, players are more attracted to display devices that utilizephysical objects. Physical objects can be even more effective displaydevices if they are movable and they are used in combination with lightsand sounds.

Keno

Upon an initial examination, it would appear to the applicants that thedisplay device of Keno is an excellent choice for a display device forgaming devices. Keno is well known to the playing public, and itutilizes a highly visible and attractive display device. The displaydevice comprises a container with a plurality of numbered balls. Theballs in the container are agitated or jumbled, usually by a jet of air,to a state where they ricochet off of the walls of the container.

In the game of Keno, players select numbers that may be drawn from theKeno display device. The display device jumbles or mixes numbered ballsin the container and then draws a predetermined number of balls from thecontainer. Players are paid based on the number of balls drawn from thedisplay device that match the numbers they selected.

However, before the present invention, the Keno display device has beenunsuitable for use with gaming devices. One of the reasons this is so isbecause Keno is susceptible to environmental influences. As the ballsare jumbled in the Keno ball device, static electricity, dust, andcontaminants build up on the balls. This may cause the balls to stick toeach other or to components in the display device thereby influencingthe randomness of the game. Furthermore, the balls used in Keno displaysmay have slightly different weights or sizes that subtly affect theoutcome of the game. An important aspect of any gaming device isresistance to environmental influences that could affect the results ofthe game.

Another reason the game of Keno has been unsuitable as an indicator fora gaming device is that it requires a great deal of human involvement.In many Keno games, human operators are required to read the numbers ofthe Keno balls as they are selected and input the numbers into acomputer or display. Furthermore, operators must regularly clean theKeno balls and the Keno devices to keep dust and contaminants frombuilding up on the balls. Not only does this require excessive humaninvolvement for an automated gaming device (the greater the humaninvolvement, the greater the cost of operating the game), the game isalso susceptible to tampering and cheating.

Because of their susceptibility to environmental influences andtampering and their dependence on human operators and maintenancepersonnel, Keno games are not allowed in at least one major gamingjurisdiction. Furthermore, these disadvantages have prevented Kenodisplay devices and other devices that use jumbled balls from beingmodified for use with gaming devices. The applicants have discoveredthat what has long been needed is a way for configuring jumbled balldisplay devices for use with gaming devices. Although reference is madeto the game of Keno, it is to be understood that the present inventionmay be used with almost any type of ball, jumbled ball, or action unitdisplay device, such as lottery balls, for example.

Bingo

Similar to Keno, some Bingo game devices utilize a container with aplurality of numbered balls. The balls in the container are agitated orjumbled, usually by rotation of the container. Players receive cardswith a grid of cells or spaces. A randomly determined number of symbolsis printed in each cell. As balls are randomly drawn from the container,players mark cells on their cards when the numbers on the ballcorrespond to numbers in the cell. The first player to fill a column,row, or diagonal line on the card with marks, wins the game. AlthoughBingo devices are well known and provide an attractive display, theysuffer from the same problems as Keno devices. Therefore, before thepresent invention, they have not been considered acceptable for use withgaming devices.

Jumbled Ball Displays

The use of jumbled displays is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,171issued to Rivero and U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,007 issued to Travis et al.Rivero appears to disclose a game device with means for simulating therelease of a ball, wherein a rotating drum is provided with numberedballs and as the drum rotates, a ball is released into a transparenttube. However, Rivero is not intended to show the player the ball thatis released from the drum. Rather, the ball is held in the tube, out ofview of the player, and an electronic simulation of the ball number ispresented in a window. This is intended to give the player “theimpression” that the ball has been counted. Rivero does not disclose norsuggest displaying actual balls to the player to indicate the outcome ofthe game or the value of a prize. In addition, in the Rivero device theballs are in a cage and quite exposed to the environment and thepotential for tampering. The ball cage of Rivero is also mounted on thefront side and well below the top of the gaming machine, hiding the ballcage from view of potential game players who are not in position to seethe front side of the machine.

Travis et al. appears to disclose a video lottery gaming device withnumbered balls. However, all of the balls are simulations generated bysoftware and no physical balls are actually displayed to the player.Travis et al. also does not disclose nor suggest displaying actual ballsto the player to indicate the outcome of the game or the value of aprize.

One of the disadvantages with Rivero and Travis et al. is that no actualphysical balls are used to display the outcome of a game. This is notdesirable because players prefer to see physical objects rather thanelectronic simulations of the physical objects. Moreover, players tendto believe that a game device is misleading when the device purports todisplay a simulation of an object rather than the object itself This isespecially true when the object itself is supposedly available forviewing, as is the case in Rivero.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,737 issued to Frank et al. appears to disclose alottery machine where a player pre-selects a number and is able to viewa plurality of indicia-bearing balls being air-mixed and the subsequentsettling of a limited number of balls into ball-holding pockets whereoptoelectronic identification is used to compare the indicia on thesettled indicia-bearing balls to the player's pre- selected number inorder to determine if a match (prize) has been attained. One of thedisadvantages of Frank et al. is that the device is subject toenvironmental contamination from static electricity, dust and othercontaminants that accumulate on the surface of the balls which may causethe balls to stick to other balls or surfaces in the device andconsequently affect the randomness of the game outcome, in this case,which balls settle into the ball-holding pockets.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,674 issued to Pearce et al. appears to disclose aPachinko bonus game involving a Pachinko playing field having aplurality of rows of pegs, with each row of pegs staggered from eachadjacent row. A game is initiated by launching a ball onto the playingfield. The playing field also has a row of lanes so that the ball, aftertraversing the playing field, travels through one of the lanes, whereeach lane displays a bonus payoff value.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a gaming device comprising (a) at leastone game apparatus configured to allow a player to play a game; (b) atleast one movable display object; (c) at least one receptacle elementconfigured to receive the movable display object; (d) a game symbolassociated with at least one of the movable display object or thereceptacle element, wherein the game symbol communicates game-relatedinformation; (e) a game surface comprising an opening (hole) configuredto slideably receive the receptacle element; and (f) an actuator coupledto the receptacle element, the actuator configured to slide thereceptacle element within the opening, wherein the receptacle elementmay be made to: (i) catch (capture) and hold the movable display objectwhen the actuator extends the receptacle element to a first position infront of the game surface, and (ii) be unable to hold the movabledisplay object when the actuator retracts the receptacle element to asecond position in back of the game surface or at least partiallyretracted relative to the first position

The present invention also provides a gaming device (as described above)further comprising at least one controller in communication with theactuator and the game apparatus, the controller being configured todetermine a random game outcome and to activate the actuator to causechange in the position of the receptacle element in accordance with therandom game outcome, thereby displaying the random game outcome to theplayer by associating the random game outcome with the receptacleelement having the movable object constrained therein.

The present invention further provides a method for playing a gamecomprising the following steps, but not all necessarily in the ordershown: (a) releasing at least one movable display object from a topportion of a game surface; (b) selectively positioning at least onereceptacle element to constrain the movable display object within thereceptacle element; and (c) displaying a game outcome to a player byassociating the game outcome with the at least one receptacle element orthe movable display object constrained therein.

In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming device is providedthat comprises (a) game apparatus means for allowing a player to play agame; (b) display object means for communicating a game outcome; (c)receptacle means for holding the display object means; (d) symbol meansfor communicating the game outcome; (e) surface means for providinginteraction of the display object means with the receptacle means; and(f) actuator means for controlling position of the receptacle meansrelative to the surface means.

For purposes of the present invention, “determining (or determinationof) a game outcome” shall mean actively causing, deciding, dictating,choosing, selecting or affecting the outcome of the game. This is incontrast to detecting, learning, identifying, discovering, ascertainingor finding out the result of the game outcome.

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do notnecessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

provide a display device utilizing movable objects;

the ability to convey a random game outcome by selectively trappingmovable objects in receptacle elements;

provide an enhanced degree of anticipation by the player by allowingmovable objects to be captured and released by various receptacleelements repeatedly before finally trapping a movable object in aspecified receptacle element to convey the game outcome;

provide a decreased susceptibility to the effects of environmentalcontamination from static electricity, dust and other contaminants thatmay negatively affect the randomness of game results;

provide a decreased susceptibility to tampering and cheating during playof the game resulting in a fair game outcome as perceived by the gameplayer;

provide a visual display that attracts the attention of potential gameplayers to the game device; and

provide a visual display that is entertaining and maintains theexcitement and enjoyment experienced by players while playing the gameby configuring the games to produce low probability events from whichlarge prizes may be awarded.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remainingportions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of oneembodiment of the present invention so that the detailed descriptionthat follows may be better understood and contributions of the presentinvention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodimentsof the present invention may not include all of the features orcharacteristics listed in the above summary. It is understood that thereare additional features of the invention that will be described belowand form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, beforeexplaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of the construction and to the arrangement of the componentsset forth in the following description or as illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are shown in theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is substantially a front view of a gaming device useful in thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is substantially a side view of an alternative embodiment of agaming device.

FIG. 3 is substantially a front view of a display device useful in thepresent invention

FIG. 4 is substantially a view of an apparatus for attracting movableobjects to selected game elements to indicate a game outcome for adisplay device.

FIG. 5 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIG. 6 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIG. 7 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIG. 8 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIG. 9 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are exemplary flowcharts illustrating a method ofoperation, such as playing a game.

FIG. 11 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIG. 12 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIG. 13 is substantially a front view of a display device.

FIG. 14A is substantially a front perspective view of a receptacleelement useful in a display device.

FIG. 14B is blowup view of one segment of the receptacle element (fromFIG. 14A) showing a barrier member in a closed position.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of components of a gaming device.

FIG. 16 is substantially a front view of a gaming device according tothe present invention

FIG. 17A is substantially a side perspective view of an embodiment of anactuator mechanism useful in the present invention shown in relationshipto a receptacle element and game surface.

FIG. 17B is substantially a side perspective view of the actuatormechanism of FIG. 17A with the receptacle element shown in a differentposition relative to the game surface.

FIG. 17C is substantially a side perspective view of another embodimentof an actuator mechanism useful in the present invention.

FIG. 18 is substantially a schematic representation of components of agaming device of the present invention.

In the Detailed Description below, the applicants utilize variousspatially orienting terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” and“vertical.” It is to be understood that these terms are used for ease ofdescription of the various embodiments with respect to the drawings butare not necessarily in themselves limiting or requiring of anorientation as thereby described in the following Detailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen in FIG. 1, one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a gamingdevice, generally indicated by reference number 1 0. Gaming device 10comprises a display device 11 and a game apparatus 20. Display device 11may comprise a jumbled ball display 12.

Game Apparatus

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, game apparatus 20 may be any of alarge number of devices that are configured to allow players to play agame. For example, game apparatus 20 may utilize reel displays, such asspinning reels 22-24 or a video display (not shown), to display outcomesof the game. Various devices may also be provided for accepting valuefrom a player, such as a coin slot 21 or card reader 25, and forawarding prizes, such as a coin dispenser 27. A handle 26 and button 28are provided for activating game apparatus 20 to begin a game. In atleast one embodiment, game apparatus 20 may be an S2000™ or S Plus™model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology inReno, Nevada.

Game apparatus 20 may be controlled by an electronic controller (notshown) that utilizes a random number generator. The random numbergenerator produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. Theoutcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number toa table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by the controller. Anumber of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tablesmay be used for different games. The tables can be designed so thatdifferent prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Suchdesign techniques are well known in gaming. Examples of such designs areshown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. Pat. No.5,456,465, issued to Durham. The controller causes spinning reels 22-24or the video display to show the outcome of the game that corresponds tothe outcome of the random number generator. It is recognized that gameapparatus 20 may operate in many other ways and still achieve theobjects of the present invention.

Game apparatus 20 may also be capable of producing a bonus- activatingevent. This event may be many different types of events. For example, abonus-activating event may comprise displaying a particular symbol, suchas a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7”symbols, on reels 22-24. If the game being played is poker based, thebonus-activating event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as aroyal flush. Furthermore, a bonus-activating event may occur when aplayer accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number ofseparate game plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occurwhen the player receives three “bonus” symbols during a period of time.The bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. Forexample, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of playersobtain a certain result.

When a controller detects a bonus-activating event, it may begin a bonussequence by activating display 110. Display 110 may comprise manydifferent kinds of display devices, such as, for example, video screens,lights and light-emitting diodes (LED). Display 110 may comprise its owncontroller that is configured to generate a variety of displays. Display110 may further indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus roundand prompt the player to perform an action In one embodiment, the playeris prompted to activate the bonus sequence by pressing input device 90,which may be a simple button, a keyboard or a touch screen display. Inthe case where a player must accumulate a number of bonus symbols toqualify for a bonus, display 110 may indicate the number of symbols thatthe player has received.

When the controller detects that input device 90 has been activated, thecontroller would activate an agitator in the jumbled ball display 12(see discussion below); alternatively the agitator may beginautomatically and input device 90 may be used to initiate the displaysequence. It is understood that no input device may be used and thecontroller may automatically activate display 12 to begin a displaysequence.

Prizes, including bonus awards, may be, for example, goods, services andadditional games. Typically, goods and services may be awarded in theform of physical objects, tickets, vouchers and coupons; additionalgames may be presented in the form of tickets, such as scratch-offlottery tickets. In the case where tickets, vouchers and coupons areused, these may be dispensed using an internally or externally mounteddispenser 111; such dispensers are well known in the art.

Jumbled Ball Display

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, jumbled ball display 12 comprises acontainer 16 that is configured to hold a plurality of movable objects18, such as lightweight balls. Container 16 is at least partiallytransparent allowing players to view movable objects 18 inside of thecontainer. Container 16 may be made of a transparent material, such asplastic or glass. In one embodiment, container 16 is made of acrylicpolymer. Suitable containers of this type may be obtained from TrippPlastics of Reno, Nevada. In another embodiment, container 16 mayinclude an open mesh wire cage enclosed within, where movable objects 18are further constrained, and wherein the wire cage includes an openingto allow the movable objects 18 access to game elements capable ofreceiving the movable objects.

Container 16 may have many different shapes, including, for example asphere, hemisphere, cube, cylinder, triangle and pyramid. In certainembodiments, container 16 is substantially spherical with a partiallyflat back (not shown). The flat back allows container 16 to be largewhile still allowing gaming device 10 to be conveniently placed againsta wall, another gaming device or other objects.

Although movable objects 18 may be similar to Keno balls, many othertypes of balls may be used. For example, movable objects 18 may beping-pong balls or rubber balls. Movable objects 18 may be constructedfrom any suitable material. It is understood that the materials used toconstruct movable objects 18 may affect the size, shape and movementcharacteristics of movable objects 18. For example, the movable objectsmay be of a first-type and a second-type, where the first- andsecond-types are each of different sizes or materials; consequently theymay each have different movement characteristics. For example, somematerials may tend to bounce or ricochet more than other materials. Inaddition, movable objects 18 may be of any size desired by the gamedesigner. Movable objects 18 may be of various shapes. The shape ofmovable objects 18 may also affect their movement properties. More thanone size or type of movable object can be placed within container 18.

Display 12 also may comprise, an agitator system (not shown in FIG. 1)to agitate or jumble movable objects 18 within container 16. Theagitator system may involve, for example, one or more of a stream of air(such as that provided by a fan), a mechanical mixing device andsuction. The agitator may move the movable objects inside container 16,perhaps causing the balls to bounce and ricochet off of the walls ofcontainer 16. In at least one embodiment, a stream of air is used as anagitator and container 16 comprises an off center opening for the streamof air. The opening is off center to increase the initial agitation ofmovable objects 18.

Fins (not shown) may also be provided at the bottom of container 16 tohelp agitate movable objects 18. The fins support movable objects 18when they are resting at the bottom of container 16 and also help aircirculate to lift and separate movable objects 18.

At least one purpose of jumbled ball display 12 is to attract andentertain players. When movable objects 18 are agitated, they mayproduce a vivid display that may attract the attention of people nearbyand provide an exciting display for players playing gaming device 10.

Jumbled ball display 12 may be filled with different media. Typically,the jumbled ball display is filled with air. However, other media, forexample, carbon dioxide to give a smoky, shadowy appearance, andliquids, such as water and inert oils, may be used in order to createunique games and/or affect the movement characteristics of movableobjects 18.

FIG. 2 represents an alternative embodiment useful in the presentinvention in which two gaming devices 10 are placed back to back. Eachgaming device 10 comprises a game apparatus 20. Game apparatuses 20,shown in FIG. 2, are known as “slant top” devices for their slopingupper surfaces. However, other types of gaming devices, such as theupright game apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1, may also be used.

In this embodiment, a separate jumbled ball display 12 is provided foreach game apparatus 20. Each jumbled ball display 12 may comprisecontainer 16 in the shape of a hemisphere. Containers 16 may be placedback to back so that the two containers have an overall sphericalappearance when viewed from the side. Other shapes, such as cubes andcylinders, may also be used. A mirror may be placed at the back of eachcontainer 16 to enhance the appearance of the jumbled ball displays 12by reflecting images of movable objects 18 outward toward the players.Containers 16 may also be one single container that is divided in two bya mirror or other partition. Each container 16 has its own independentlyoperated agitator and movable objects 18.

Movable objects 18 may be used to indicate a game outcome. Oneembodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3. A plurality of movable objects 18,shown as balls, are inside container 16. As illustrated, FIG. 3 includesa display area 310 having a plurality of game elements, indicated hereas prize displays 320. Prize displays 320 may represent, withoutlimitation, prizes 324, bonus multipliers 326, goods or services 328(depicted as a car in FIG. 3), and jackpots 330 (including progressivejackpots).

In at least one embodiment, prize displays 320 comprise windows 322 intoan interior area of display 310. During a game, a player's prize isindicated by a movable object 18 appearing in one or more prize displayprize window 322. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a movableobject 18 is located in prize display (goods/services) 328, indicatingthat the player has won goods, such as a car.

More than one prize displays 320 may be used to indicate the outcome ofa game. For example, in certain embodiments, a plurality of prizes 324could be indicated. In other embodiments, at least one prize 324 and atleast one multiplier 326 could be indicated, with the player receiving aprize equal to a mathematical combination (such as the product) of theindicated prizes 324 and the indicated multipliers 326.

Although display area 310 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as being located atthe upper portion of container 16, the display area could be located inother areas or additional display areas 310 could be located on otherareas of container 16.

Movable object detectors associated with game elements, and incommunication with the controller, may be used to determine when amovable object has been received by a game element; the game element maybe configured to receive the movable object on the surface of the gameelement. For example, sensors (not shown), such as optical, electricalor magnetic sensors, can be included to detect the presence of a movableobject 18 within prize display 320 (which may be a ball chamber, asshown, or a ball chute, hoop, ball receptacle, ball-container or othergame element). Optical sensors may be used to determine the presence ofa movable object 18. Inductive sensors may also be used. An inductivesensor may be placed adjacent to a prize display 320. Movable objects 18may contain a magnetic or metallic substance. When a movable object 18is proximate to the inductive sensor, the metallic or magnetic substancein the ball may cause the inductance of the inductive sensor to change,thereby detecting that a movable object 18 is indicating a prize. Inaddition, multiple objects may be proximate to a prize display and maybe detected by the inductive sensor.

In other game play embodiments, it may be beneficial to know the exactidentity of each movable object 18 proximate to a sensor. Varioussystems can be used to identify each movable object 18. For example, theinductance altering properties of movable objects 18 may vary. Acontroller (not shown) may correlate a particular induction change toone or more particular movable objects 18.

Other sensing mechanisms may be used, including optical sensors such asbar code scanners and the like. Other systems may employ uniquesemiconductors, or other items, located inside movable objects 18.Suitable systems include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,940 toTripp, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Unique transmitters,such as RFID (radio frequency identification) tags may also be placedinside movable objects 18.

FIG. 4 illustrates one apparatus for attracting movable objects 18 toselected game elements in order to display the randomly determinedoutcome of a game to a player. The components shown in FIG. 4 may belocated at the rear of container 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), display area310 (see FIG. 3), and gaming device 10 (see FIG. 2) in order tofacilitate hiding the components from game players. It is understoodthat other arrangements are possible, such as placing some, or all ofthe components on a side, the top, or the bottom of container 16, amongothers. A variety of actuators can be used for attracting movableobjects 18 to selected game elements without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Suitable actuators include, for example, suctiondevices and magnets. For example, in the case where movable objects 18may be made of, coated with, or contain a magnetic substance, theselective activation of magnets (actuator) attracts the movable object18 to a specific receptacle game element.

FIG. 4 also illustrates one example of an actuator, in this case asuction device 414. Suction devices for use in the present inventioninclude, for example, fans, vacuum pumps, pneumatic pressuredifferential and other suitable devices for creating suction. A vent 416may be provided. If suction device 414 is a fan, the fan may blow airout of vent 416, thereby creating suction in suction tube 420. Vent 416may also be used for exhaust when the suction device 414 is a vacuumpump. Alternatively, the suction device may take the form of vent (notshown) associated with a particular game element (receptacle) wherethere is positive pressure in the container; in this case there is norequirement for a fan as part of the actuator system.

Suction device 414 may be triggered by a controller 430. Controller 430may the same as a controller for gaming device 10, for a bonus game, ormay be a separate controller (that may be in communication with thecontrollers for a primary game and/or a bonus game). Controller 430 mayalso control the amount of suction produced by suction device 414.

Controller 430 may be in communication with one or more valves 434, suchas valves 436, 438, 442, 444, and 446. Valves 434 may be electronic ormechanical and may be individually controllable. Valves may be locatedor placed between a game element and an actuator. In certainembodiments, the amount of suction through valves 434 in controllable.For example, it may be desirable to control the amount of suctionapplied to multi-object receptacle 456. The amount of suction maydetermine how many objects are held within multi-object receptacle 456.For example, more suction may be applied if four movable objects 18 areto be held than if just one movable object 18 is to be held inmulti-object receptacle 456. FIG. 4 illustrates a multi-objectreceptacle holding two movable objects 18, in this case, balls.

Valves 434 may be used to activate a plurality of game elements, such asreceptacles 456, 460 and 462. The game elements can be activatedindividually, or more than one game element may be activesimultaneously. That is, each game element may be selectively actuatableby a controller in communication with a particular actuator. Forexample, a game designer may wish to have a movable object 18 suckedinto a prize display 320 (through opening 458) while at the same timeholding a movable object 18 on object receptacle 460. It may bedesirable to apply varying degrees of suction to different gameelements. For example, more suction may be required to pull movableobjects 18 into object receptacle tube 462 than to hold a movable objecton object receptacle 460.

Controller 430 may be in communication with object control elements,such as gate 470. Gate 470 may be useful in preventing movable objects18 from entering or escaping certain game elements. For example, FIG. 4shows gate 470 in a closed position, preventing movable objects 18 fromentering object chamber 474. Gate 470 may be in communication withcontroller 430 through a physical or wireless connection (not shown).

FIG. 5 illustrates one possible display device 11 useful in the presentinvention. Display device 11 may have a container 16 surrounded by adisplay housing 51 0. Display housing 510 may have a plurality of gameelements, in this case prize displays 320. Prize displays 320 may beargame related indicia 520, or otherwise convey game related informationsuch as multiplier amounts 522 or prize amounts 524.

Prize displays 320 may be associated with one or more game elements,such as object receptors 460 (see FIG. 4). Suction may be applied toselected object receptors 460 in order to convey a randomly determinedgame outcome. For example, when suction is applied to an objectreceptor, and an object is in contact with the object receptor, a prizemay be awarded according to indicia on the prize display 320 associatedwith the activated object receptor 460.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, suction has been applied to game elements(object receptors) 540, 542, and 544. The indicia borne by theassociated prize displays 320 may represent a multiplier of 2, a prizeof 5 coins, and a prize of 10 coins. The player may be awarded a prizeequal to the product of the multiplier and a mathematical combination ofthe prizes. For example, the player could be awarded the product of themultiplier and the sum of the coin prizes, or 30 coins. It is understoodthat any combination of multipliers and/or prizes could be awardedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a display device 11 useful inthe present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a multi-object holder 624 anda plurality of single-object holders 620. A plurality of movable objects18 may be present within container 16. A controller (not shown in FIG.6) may determine a game outcome that may be indicated by the placementof movable objects 18 inside single-object holders 620 and/ormulti-object holder 624.

For example, FIG. 6 illustrates three movable objects 18 withinmulti-object holder 624. Indicia 640, 642, and 644 may be present onsegments (sections) 634 of multi-ball holder 624 containing movableobjects 18. Indicium 640 may represent a prize amount (such a number ofcoins or credits) while indicia 642 and 644 may represent multiplieramounts. Because indicium 644 represents a higher multiplier thanindicia 642, indicia 644 could be awarded instead of indicia 642.Alternatively, the player could be awarded a multiplier of amathematical combination of indicia 642 and 644. The multiplier could bemultiplied by prize 640 or by other prizes.

Other prizes may be awarded, including higher multipliers (such asmultiplier 646) and jackpot prizes (such as jackpot 648, which may be aprogressive jackpot). The prize or prizes awarded may be controlled bythe amount of suction applied to multi-object holder 624 and/orsingle-object holders 620. For example, applying greater suction tomulti-object holder 624 may attract more movable objects 18 intomulti-object holder 624. The game outcome may be indicated by acombination of multi-object holder 624 and one or more single-objectholders 620. For example, multi-object holder 624 may determine amultiplier and single-object holders 620 may indicate a prize which willbe multiplied by the multiplier.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment useful in the presentinvention, again having a container 16 filled with a plurality ofmovable objects 18. Container 16 may contain one or more differentlysized or shaped movable objects, such as jackpot object 720. Displaydevice 11 is shown with a plurality of object receptors 730. However,other game elements, such as object chambers and object receptacles, maybe used in place of, or in addition to, object receptors 730.

Game play may be similar to previously described embodiments whereselective application of suction to object receptors 730 may convey arandomly determined game outcome. Indicia 740 may be placed on orproximate to object receptors 730 in order to convey the prize awardedby a particular object receptor 730. Indicia 740 may include, forexample, prize amounts 742, multipliers 744, jackpot prizes 746, goodsor services (not shown), free game play (not shown), and other prizes.FIG. 7 illustrates specific object receptors 730 being active (as 752and 754). In the illustrated embodiment, the player may be awarded aprize equal to the multiplier represented by object receptor 752 and theprize amount of object receptor 754 (for a prize of 20 coins).

Using movable objects 18 having different sizes, shapes, or movementcharacteristics may allow for additional flexibility in game design. Forexample, jackpot object 720 may be heavier than movable objects 18.Accordingly, jackpot object 720 may require a larger object receptacle760 in order for enough suction to be applied to attract and holdjackpot object 720.

In some cases, it is possible that movable objects 18 will also beattracted to object receptacle 760, in addition to jackpot object 720.One solution to this issue may be to alter the movement characteristicsof movable objects 18 and/or jackpot object 720. For example, objectreceptacles 730 that are to hold movable objects 18 may be located onlower portions of container 16. Object receptacle 760 may be placed onhigher portions of container 16. Movable objects 18 may be constructedto bounce travel less highly in container 16 than jackpot object 720. Inthis way, it will be possible for jackpot object 720 to reach objectreceptacle 760, but not movable objects 18.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a display device having aplurality of movable objects 18 in container 16 of display device 11.Multi-object holder 830 may be provided to hold one or more movableobjects 18 to indicate prizes corresponding to a randomly determinedgame outcome.

Multi-object holder 830 may contain a plurality of segments 834, eachsegment being capable of receiving a movable object. Segments 834 mayhave indicia 838 indicating prizes such as prize amounts 842,multipliers 844, and jackpot prizes 846. Additional indicia 840 may alsobe included. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, if enough movable objects18 fill multi-object holder 830, “Jackpot” may be spelled out and aplayer may be entitled to a jackpot prize.

Movable objects 18 may be attracted to multi-object holder 830 usingsuction, as previously described. Alternatively, movable objects 18 maysimply be agitated within container 16, or placed in motion abovemulti-object holder 830, such that movable objects 18 will occasionallyenter multi-object holder 830 on their own accord.

It may desirable to ensure that no more movable objects 18 entermulti-object holder 830 than are required to indicate a randomlydetermined game outcome. While agitation or other motion of movableobjects 18 can be ceased once the game outcome is achieved, there may bethe possibility of stray movable objects 18 entering multi-object holder830 (or other game elements, when present).

A gate 862 may be activated to cover (that is, limit access to) theopening 860 of multi-object holder 830 when the game outcome has beenindicated. Gate 862 is shown in FIG. 8 in an inactive position. Theactive position is indicated by dashed lines 864. Gate 862 may be incommunication with a controller (not shown), such as by connection 868or other means.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a display device. A pluralityof movable objects 18 may be introduced into container 16 of displaydevice 11 through an object dispenser 920. Object dispenser 920 mayrelease movable objects 18 above the height of a game element, such asobject receptacle chute 930. Movable objects 18 may be collected at thebottom of container 16 and returned to object dispenser 920. The bottomof container 16 maybe sloped and funnel-shaped to feed movable objectsinto an object return mechanism (not shown). In an alternateconfiguration, the bottom of container 16 could be covered by a grate(not shown) through which movable objects 18 may pass and enter theobject return mechanism.

Various object return mechanisms may be used to transport movableobjects from lower portions of the container to the movable objectdispenser without departing from the scope of the present invention. Forexample, a conveyer belt type system could be employed. The conveyerbelt might have one or more tracks, scoops, buckets, or other means forcarrying movable objects 18 from the bottom of container 16 to objectdispenser 920.

Alternatively, a waterwheel type mechanism could be used. The waterwheelmay have a series of groves or compartments that may scoop up movableobjects 18 from the lower part of container 16 and carry them as thewheel rotates to an upper portion of container 16 for delivery to objectdispenser 920. The waterwheel may be configured to feed movable objects18 directly into object dispenser 920. Alternatively, the waterwheelmechanism may feed movable objects 18 into a delivery system that willconvey movable objects 18 to object dispenser 920. For example, movableobjects 18 may be dropped onto a slide or funnel that utilizes gravityto feed movable objects 18 into object dispenser 920.

Another suitable object return mechanism may be an auger (not shown).Movable objects 18 may be directed to the auger, which may havechanneled spirals to better hold movable objects 18. As the augerrotates, movable objects 18 will be carried upwards towards the top ofcontainer 16. At the top of container 16, movable objects 18 may bedirected into a slide, funnel, or similar mechanism for delivery toobject dispenser 920. It is understood that the present invention is notlimited to the use of any particular object dispenser or objecttransport mechanism. Any suitable known, or later developed, objectdispenser 920 and/or object transport mechanism may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Once movable objects 18 have been released from object dispenser 920,they may fall to the lower portion of container 16, perhaps enteringobject receptacle chute 930 of their own accord. Alternatively, movableobjects 18 may be attracted to object receptacle chute 930 usingsuction, as previously described. A variety of obstacles 940 may beincluded in container 16. Obstacles 940 may be made from any suitablematerial, such as plastic and acrylic polymer. The inclusion ofobstacles 940 may make for a more interesting display because somemovable objects 18 may strike obstacles 940 and ricochet in variousdirections.

Object receptacle chute 930 may be equipped with a gate 950 that may bemoved to position 952, as previously described with regard to FIG. 8, inorder to prevent movable objects 18 from entering the game element. Gate950 may be activated (for example, by a controller) once a game outcomeis achieved and it is desired that no more movable objects 18 areallowed to enter object receptacle chute 930.

In certain embodiments, a random game outcome is determined and conveyedto the player by the number of movable objects 18 passing into andthrough object receptacle chute 930. As movable objects 18 pass throughobject chute 930, they may actuate a counter 954. Counter 954 may be incommunication with a controller so that a gaming device can determinewhen the game outcome has been conveyed, activate gate 950, anddeactivate object dispenser 920. Counter 954 may also be incommunication with a display area 964 that may display the game outcometo the player.

In one embodiment, all of movable objects 18 may represent the samevalue, perhaps 10 credits. The random game outcome may be a number ofcredits. Display device 11 may be activated until a sufficient number ofmovable objects 18 have passed through object chute 930 to indicate thegame outcome.

In FIG. 9, display 964 indicates a current bonus amount of 40 credits.Movable object 966 is shown in object receptacle chute 930, but has notyet triggered counter 954. Typically, gate 950 will be closedimmediately after a controller senses that a predetermined number ofobjects have entered the game element. For example, if the random gameoutcome were 50 coins, gate 950 would be activated as soon as movableobject 966 triggers counter 954. Display 964 would be updated to display“50” and display device 11 would be deactivated.

It is understood that other game elements can be used instead of objectreceptacle chute 930. For example, a hoop 956 could be used. At leastone advantage of object receptacle chute 930 may be to assist players indetermining the prize they will receive. Movable objects 18 may movemore slowly, and/or be more visible, when in object chute 930,potentially making it easier for player to see the game outcome.

FIG. 10A provides a flowchart for a method of operation 1000A, forexample, playing a game, generally applicable to embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-7 (using FIG. 4 as a reference). At decision step 1002, gameapparatus 20 determines whether a player has placed a wager. If theplayer has not placed a wager, method 1000A loops back to decision step1002 until a wager is placed. Once a wager is placed, method 1000Aproceeds to step 1004 where a game outcome is determined.

At step 1006, a controller is activated for an actuator that correspondsto the game outcome determined in step 1004. For example, controller 430may trigger suction device 414 (FIG. 4). At decision step 1008, method1000A checks to see if any movable objects 18 have been detected by agame element, such as object receptacles 456,460 or 463, for example. Ifan object is detected, method 1000A proceeds to step 1010 and awards aprize(s) as determined by the selected game outcome in step 1004.

At decision step 1008, if an object 18 is not detected by an appropriateobject receptacle, method 1000A loops back to step 1006 and gameapparatus 20 continues to activate controllers for actuatorscorresponding to the predetermined game outcome.

FIG. 10B provides a flowchart for another method of operation 1000Busing FIG. 9 as a reference. At decision step 1002B, game apparatus 20determines whether a player has placed a wager. If the player has notplaced a wager, method 1000B loops back to decision step 1002B until awager is placed. Once a wager is placed, method 1000B proceeds to step1004B where a game outcome is determined.

At step 1006B, a counter may be reset, followed by activation of objectdispenser 920 at step 1008B. At step 1010B movable objects 18 aredispensed from object dispenser 920. At decision step 1012B, method1000B checks to see if any movable objects 18 have been detected by agame element, such as object receptacle chute 930. If an object isdetected, method 1000B proceeds to step 1014B and increments thecounter. Method 1000B proceeds to decision 1016B where game apparatus 20checks to see if the counter value is equivalent to the game outcomedetermined in step 1004B.

At decision step 1016B, if the counter value is not equivalent to thegame outcome determined in step 1004B, method 1000B loops back to step1010B and game apparatus 20 continues to dispense movable objects 18.If, at decision step 1016B, it is determined that the counter isequivalent to the game outcome determined at step 1004B, method 1000Bproceeds to step 1018B and closes gate 950 to prevent additional movableobjects 18 from entering the game element. Method 1000B then proceeds tostep 1020B and stops the object dispenser 920 from dispensing additionalmovable objects 18.

Another embodiment a display device is illustrated in FIG. 11, where acombination of movable objects determines or conveys a game outcome.FIG. 11 depicts a game, such as tic-tac-toe where a winning combinationis obtained when a row, column, or diagonal of a matrix is filled withall of the same symbols. Such a game may be carried out in a number ofways. For example, the movable objects 18 may bear indicia and may beselectively directed into one of the receptacle game elements 1110. Inthis way, a random game outcome may be conveyed by selectively directingthe desired movable objects 18 into the appropriate receptacles 1110.Indicia (symbols) on movable objects 18 that are useful in determiningthe game outcome can be identified by sensors, such as those previouslymentioned, for example, optical scanners, electrical or magneticsensors, inductive sensors as well as RFID (radio frequencyidentification) devices.

In other embodiments, segments 1116 of receptacles 1110 may be markedwith symbols, with winning combinations depending on which segmentmovable objects 18 enter. The game may be timed, or the number ofmovable objects is limited, in order to allow different combinations ofsymbols to be achieved. Additionally, the game itself may limit how longthe game lasts. For example, a game might end when a row or column isfilled, or when a certain number of symbols have been selected. It isunderstood that the present invention is not limited to a tic-tac-toegame, but is applicable to games in general

In another embodiment, movable objects 18 may enter a game element, suchas object receptacles 1110, and at least one indicium is displayed afterthe ball enters receptacle 1110. Using tic-tac-toe as an example, eachsegment 1116 may be capable of displaying an X or O. For example, thesegment could have a display 1122 for displaying game indicia.Additionally, receptacle 1110 and/or segment 1116 could be made from amaterial on or through which light can be transmitted to displayappropriate indicia.

In this embodiment, there are several potential sources of control overthe game outcome. First, movable objects 18 maybe selectively attractedto specific game elements, such as object receptacle 1110, byapplication of suction (or other actuator devices). Alternatively,movable objects 18 may be randomly agitated and enter object receptacle1110 of their own accord. Accordingly, while the game displayed to theplayer may appear random to the player, it actually may be controlled bya game controller and the game carried out to convey a randomlydetermined game outcome.

Another element of control may be added by displaying indicia to theplayer after the movable object enters the game element. In this way,the player may think that the position of the movable object affects thegame outcome, even though the outcome actually may be controlled byselectively displaying indicia on the displays 1122.

These elements of control may be used alone or in combination. Forexample, in certain embodiments, movable objects 18 may be allowed torandomly enter the game elements, because the game outcome may beselectively displayed by displays 1122. Similarly, in other embodiments,the player may be allowed to control which game element a ball enterswith the game controller controlling the game outcome shown on displays1122.

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 depicts aplurality of movable objects 18 and a plurality of game elements 1210.Game elements 1210 may represent various prizes such as prize amounts1214 and 1218, a vacation 1222, and jackpot prize 1226. It is understoodthat other prizes may be used.

During a game, movable objects 18 maybe selectively attracted to gameelements 1210. Movable objects 18 may be attracted to game element 1210using suction, as previously described. Alternatively, movable objects18 may simply be agitated or placed in motion above game elements 1210,such that movable objects 18 will occasionally enter the game elementson their own accord. The prize a player is awarded may be determined bywhich game element or elements 1210 movable objects enter. For example,a game may end when one of game elements 1210 is filled by movableobjects 18. Game elements representing more valuable prizes, such as1222, may contain more segments 1230, thereby making these prizes appearto players to be more difficult to win. In one embodiment, a prize isawarded when a plurality of segments of one game element, for example,segments of 1226, are filled with movable objects before a segment ofanother game element, such as 1214, is filled with a movable object.Alternatively, a game may be configured to award multiple prizes. A gameround may be timed, or the number of selected balls limited, in order tocreate more game variety and increase player excitement.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a display device. A pluralityof movable objects 18 may be distributed within container 1300 (shownhere having a rectangular shape, but may have any of the shapes of thecontainers previously discussed) of display device 11 through a movableobject dispenser (not shown, but similar to that shown in FIG. 9); themovable object dispenser may release movable objects 18 at any pointwithin container 1300. Alternatively, agitator means (not shown) may beused to move and circulate movable objects 18 within container 1300without incurring the use of an object dispenser. In another embodiment,a combination of agitator means and object dispenser means may be usedto provide a jumbled ball display, for example. In yet anotherembodiment, movable objects 18 may be collected at the bottom ofcontainer 1300 and returned to the movable object dispenser for repeateddispersal (similar to that described in the discussion of FIG. 9). Thebottom of container 1300 may be sloped and funnel-shaped to feed movableobjects into an object return mechanism (not shown). In an alternateconfiguration, the bottom of container 1300 could be covered by a grate(not shown) through which movable objects 18 may pass and enter anobject return mechanism.

Again referring to FIG. 13, container 1300 may includedifferently-shaped receptacle elements attached to the wall 1305 ofcontainer 1300. In this embodiment, receptacle elements 1310, 1330 and1350 include an opening (1310A, 1330A and 1350A, respectively)sufficient to allow entry of movable objects 18 and are configured toallow passage of the movable objects 18 entirely through the receptacleelement (unlike the game elements/object holders/receptacles shown inFIGS. 4-8 and 11-12). Receptacle element 1310 is represented as acylindrical-shaped cup having a barrier member 1320, shown here as abottom flip door, where the door is typically retained in an open (asshown)/retracted position during game play when movable objects 18 arebeing moved about in container 1300 by agitation means (not shown).Barrier members 1320, 1340 and 1360, are shown as a door, a gate and adoor, respectively; however, suitable barrier members for use in thepresent invention include, for example, doors, gates, plates, panels,screens, bars, magnets and rods. The barrier members, which may act toconstrain movement of movable objects 18, can take various forms, forexample, sliding plates, panels, screens and telescoping (extension)rods or bars, that may retract inside (or along the inner surface of)the wall of receptacle elements 1310, 1330 or 1350, when not in use(that is, in an “open” or retracted position), but may be configured toextend a short distance into the interior of the receptacle elementswhen activated to a “closed” position. These barrier members may bepositioned to extend perpendicularly (at right angles) from the wall ofthe receptacle element; however, other angles of extension may be usedin order to capture and isolate movable object 18 in a designatedreceptacle element.

In the case where a barrier member is a magnet, the first or “open”position of the barrier member corresponds to the magnet being inactiveor “off” so that movable objects 18 may pass freely through thereceptacle element. The second or “closed” position of the magnetbarrier member would correspond to the magnet being activated or “on,”in which case the magnet is designed to attract and constrain orimmobilize a movable object 18 as it is passes through the receptacleelement. When magnets are used as barrier members, movable objects 18may be coated with an appropriate metallic substance that allowsinteraction with the magnet barrier member. Alternatively, magnetbarrier members may be used where the magnetic field is always activeand only certain movable objects 18 are coated with a magneticallyattractive substance; in this latter case, any uncoated movable objects18 would pass freely through the various receptacle elements containingmagnet barrier members, and any magnetically-coated movable objects 18would be captured as they pass into the receptacle element.

Each of the various receptacle elements may have game-related indicia1370 located thereon (or associated with specific receptacle elements)that represent the various prizes available to the player; for example,receptacle element 1310 bears a “2×” multiplier award, receptacleelement 1330 bears a “10×” award and receptacle element 1350 correspondsto a possible “jackpot” award. For example, if receptacle element 1310corresponds to a prize to be awarded as a result of the game outcomedetermined by the random number generator, a controller (not shown) willactivate the flip door 1320 of receptacle element 1310 to move from afirst (open/retracted) position to a second (closed) position, afterwhich any movable object 18 entering receptacle element 1310 will beconstrained (trapped) inside. Movable object detectors, such as sensors(not shown), configured to detect the presence of the trapped movableobject 18 within the prize-winning receptacle 1310, then communicatethis result to the controller and the controller terminates any furthermovable object 18 delivery/agitation within container 1300. Suitablemovable object detectors include, for example, optical sensors, bar codesensors and inductive sensors.

The prize is then awarded to the player, for example, by updating acredit meter (not shown) and the controller causes the door 1320 ofreceptacle element 1310 to return an open/retracted position, allowingthe trapped movable object 18 to return to the other movable objects 18at the bottom of container 1300, at which point a new game play may beinitiated.

Receptacle element 1330 (FIG. 13) is shown the form of a chute having anopening at the top and a gate 1340 located further along in the chutethat may be selectively activated in a closed/open position similarly tothat previously described for receptacle element 1310. Gate 1340 isshown in the closed position, corresponding to the case where the gamewinning outcome matches with an award indicated by the indicium 1370 onreceptacle 1330; prior to the random number generator (not shown)determining a game outcome and communicating the result to a controller(not shown), gate 1340 would be lie along the wall of the chute in an“open” position to allow any movable object 18 entering receptacleelement 1330 to pass through and reenter the general population ofmovable objects 18 in container 1300. Trapping of a movable object 18within receptacle element 1330 and awarding of a prize may occur asdescribed above for receptacle element 1310.

Again referring to FIG. 13, receptacle element 1350 is shown in theshape of a rectangular cylinder and, in this case, the game-relatedindicium 1370 may be located on the surface of container 1300 or on theframe (as shown) of display device 11 adjacent to receptacle 1350. Anynumber of receptacle elements 1310, 1330 and 1350 may be placed withinthe confines of container 1300 to present various game displays to theplayer.

In another embodiment useful in the present invention, the receptacleelement may comprise a plurality of segments, each segment capable ofreceiving and constraining one or more of the plurality of movableobjects. In this case, the receptacle element may include a plurality ofbarrier members, each of the barrier members being associated with aspecific segment, and each segment being associated in turn with atleast one game-related indicium. Typically, a controller may be used toindividually activate each of the barrier members associated with thespecific segments. FIG. 14A shows receptacle element 1410 (similar togame elements 1211 of FIG. 12 and 830 of FIG. 8, but configured to allowfree passage of movable objects 18 through the receptacle element),having multiple segments 1420 and multiple barrier members 1430 (shownhere as bars) associated with each segment. Each of the segments 1420 isfurther associated with game-related indicia 1440 (such as $ values ormultipliers, for example). A controller (not shown) may be used toactivate a specific barrier member 1430 from an open/retracted position(as shown in FIG. 14A) to a closed position (shown in FIG. 14B).

Barrier actuators (not shown in FIGS. 13/14A/14B for clarity purposes)are used for activation of the barrier members 1320, 1340, 1360 and 1430of the receptacle elements shown in FIGS. 13/14A/14B and may include,for example, solenoids, motors, magnets and similar devices that are incommunication with the flip doors/gates, controllers and movable objectdetectors (sensors) via appropriate communication lines between thereceptacle elements and the barrier actuators (for example, see FIG.15).

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship of variouscomponents of the gaming devices presented and discussed in FIGS. 13 and14A/14B. For example, the gaming device 1500 includes an input device1510 (for example, a button or a video touch screen) and a controller1520. The controller 1520 is configured to control a gaming device 1500by utilizing a random number generator 1530 to produce random or pseudorandom numbers for each base game or bonus game cycle. For example, theoutcome of a bonus game may be determined by comparing the random numberto a table of outcomes stored in a memory (not shown) and accessed bythe controller 1520. It is understood that the gaming device 1500 mayoperate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the presentinvention.

As further shown in FIG. 15, controller 1520 is provided incommunication with the receptacle elements 1540 of the display device(such as receptacle elements 1310, 1330, 1350 and 1410 of FIGS.13/14A/14B), movable object detectors (sensors) 1550 and barrieractuators 1560 for the doors/gate barrier members (such as1320,1340,1360 and 1430 of FIGS. 13/14A/14B) of the receptacle elements.Controller 1520 is configured to activate and deactivate the doors/gatebarrier members of receptacle elements 1540, to detect the presence oftrapped movable objects 18 in a receptacle element 1540, to award aprize to the player, and to terminate the game. The controller 1520 maybe one or more computers (not shown) or processor boards (not shown).Also, the controller 1520 may be configured to communicate with displaylights 1570 and speakers 1580 for visual and sound effects.

The controller 1520 also is configured to generate and to detect when abonus activating event occurs for activation of a bonus game cycle,which may include activation of the movable object deliverydevice/dispenser 1585 (along with a movable object return mechanism1595) or agitation system 1590. The controller 1520 will determine whichreceptacle door/gate to close based on the game outcome determined bythe random number generator 1530. Using a sensor(s) 1550, the controller1520 then can detect when a movable object 18 has been captured by thedesignated receptacle element 1540 and proceed with the subsequent gamestep activations.

When the controller 1520 detects a bonus activating event, it may begina bonus game cycle by activating, for example, the agitation system1590, the movable object delivery device/dispenser 1585, video screen(s)(not shown), display lights 1570 or light emitting diodes (not shown).These devices may indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus gamecycle and may prompt the player to perform an action. A bonus game cycleends when the controller 1520 deactivates the barrier actuators 1560 andagitation/transport of the movable objects 18 is stopped.

One embodiment of a gaming device 10 (similar to that shown in FIG. 1)ofthepresent invention is shown in FIG. 16. The gaming device includes agame apparatus 20 and a display device 11 where a plurality of movabledisplay objects 18 may be distributed within a housing 1600 (replacingcontainer 16 of FIG. 1, shown here having a rectangular shape, but mayhave any of the shapes of the containers previously discussed)configured to enclose a game surface 1610 comprising receptacle elements1620 and openings (holes) 1630. The openings 1630 are configured toslideably receive receptacle elements 1620.

The receptacle elements may be plate-like or cup-shaped holders that canbe extended in front of the game surface. Suitable receptacle elementsfor use in the present invention include, for example, plates having adepression to hold the movable display objects, U-shaped scoops in theshape of a cupped plate having two upturned edges, and open-endedbox-like (rectangular) containers. The receptacle elements may bepositioned at various points relative to the game surface, that is,behind the surface (fully retracted), in front of the surface(extended), or partially retracted/extended to a position behind thesurface but still extending partially in front of the surface. Thereceptacle elements are configured to capture (catch) and hold themovable display objects when in an extended position sufficient to holdthe objects. Typically, the extended receptacle elements are positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the game surface when the game surface isin a substantially vertical position; in one embodiment, the extendedreceptacle elements are angled slightly upwards, that is, towards thetop portion of the game surface, so as to facilitate capture and holdingof the movable display object as it falls from the top portion of thegame surface. When fully or sufficiently partially retracted, thereceptacle elements are not able to hold the movable display object. Thegaming device may further include movable display objectdetectors/sensors (not shown) to allow the controller 1820 (see FIG.18), or other control mechanism (not shown), to detect the position ofthe movable display object on the game surface. Suitable sensors includethose previously discussed.

Symbols (or other indicia) 1640 are associated with various receptacleelements 1620 to provide game-related information communicating theoutcome of the game to a player. In addition to the symbols associatedwith various receptacle elements (such as “2×”, “15” and “35” as 1640 inFIG. 16), other game related symbols also may be associated with themovable display objects 18 of FIG. 16. In this embodiment magneticdevices may be used to control which display object is received by aparticular receptacle element or sensors, such as radio frequencyidentification devices, may be used to determine which display objecthas been received by a receptacle element. The game-related symbols alsomaybe provided in the form of a changeable LED (light emitting diode)display to provide increased player interest, since the value of aparticular award for a specific receptacle element may varysignificantly during play of the game. Display device 11 may furtherinclude a display object conveyor (not shown, but similar to the objectreturn mechanisms described in the discussion of FIG. 9) configured totransport the movable display objects 18 from the bottom portion to thetop portion of the game surface 1610. Movable display objects 18 thenmay be released through a movable object dispenser (not shown, butsimilar to that shown in FIG. 9) positioned in the upper or top portionof game surface 1610. Movable display objects 18 may be collected at thebottom of housing 1600 and returned to the movable object dispenser forrepeated dispersal (similar to that described in the discussion of FIG.9). The bottom of housing 1600 may be sloped and funnel-shaped to feedmovable objects into the display object conveyor (not shown). In analternate configuration, the bottom of housing 1600 could be covered bya grate (not shown) through which movable objects 18 may pass and entera display object conveyor.

Play of the game may involve various scenarios in order to generate anenhanced degree of uncertainty regarding the final game result; thesevariations contribute to increased attractiveness of the game to theplayer. For example, a plurality of movable display objects may bedispensed in the top portion of the game surface in the presence of aplurality of receptacle elements located on the game surface. In oneembodiment, all of the receptacle elements may be extended in front ofthe game surface, and, as the movable display objects fall downwardalong the game surface, some are captured and held in some of thereceptacle elements; it may appear that a large number of movabledisplay objects have been captured by receptacle elements; however, whengame play is terminated, all of the receptacle elements, except one ortwo, may be retracted behind the game surface releasing the previouslycaptured movable display objects, resulting in only one (or a few)selected receptacle elements having a captured movable display object.This particular embodiment could correspond to allowing all of thereceptacle elements to be filled with movable display objects, thenretracting all of the non-winning receptacle elements in order torelease any captured movable display objects, thus leaving only thewinning receptacle elements (with captured movable display object)extended when the game is terminated.

In another embodiment of game play, only a selected number of receptacleelements (of a plurality of receptacle elements) may be extended infront of the game surface at the beginning of game play. As the movabledisplay objects are dispensed from the top portion of the game surfaceand cascade downward along the game surface, only the extendedreceptacle elements would be capable of capturing a movable displayobject and generating a winning result.

Alternatively, the whole array of receptacle elements may be controlledin a manner such that each receptacle element may be made to extend infront of the game surface, retract in back of the game surface, orretract partially relative to the game surface in an alternating fashionduring play of a single game. In this case, each receptacle element mayalternately (i) capture and release or (ii) capture, release andrecapture any number of movable display objects during a game play, withthe final game outcome determined only when movement and dispensing ofmovable display objects is terminated at the end of game play.

In another embodiment of game play according to the present invention,the player may be allowed to interact with the gaming device such thatthe player may be given the impression that he or she has a certainamount of control over the game. In this embodiment, the gaming deviceof the present invention may include at least one player input device(such as 90 in FIG. 1) configured to allow the player to (i)“pre-select” one or more specific receptacle elements from a pluralityof receptacle elements displayed on the game surface or (ii) pre- selectone or more movable display objects from a plurality of movable displayobjects prior to activation of the movable display object dispenser atthe beginning of game play. For example, input device 90 may be used toallow the player to select a symbol or symbols from a list of symbolsshown in display 110 (see FIG. 1). In this case, display 110 may bepresented in the form of a touch screen or keypad (FIG. 1) where theplayer may select the symbol by pressing the symbol with the player'sfinger. Other selection devices, such as buttons, may also be used. Thesymbols are meant to match the game-related indicia 1640 associated withdifferent receptacle elements 1620 or different movable display objects18 available for dispersal onto the game surface 1610 upon initiation ofgame play (see FIG. 16). It is understood that inclusion of player inputdevice 90 is optional and that game playing is contemplated that doesnot involve use of display 110 to allow the player to “pre-select” aparticular movable display object 18 or receptacle element 1620 before amovable display object 18 is dispersed onto game surface 1610.

One possible arrangement of an actuating mechanism (not shown in FIG.16, but coupled to receptacle element 1620) and how it may interact withand control the position of the receptacle element 1620 relative to thegame surface 1610, is shown in FIG. 17A. Opening 1630 is not shown andgame surface 1610 is only shown as a cross section in FIG. 17A forclarity purposes; receptacle element 1620 is shown in a substantiallyretracted position (non- capture mode) relative to game surface 1610.The acing mechanism 1700 may include lever arms 1710 moveably coupled toeach other, to the receptacle element 1620, and to a motor 1730, bypivots 1720. As motor 1730 turns, the lever arms 1710 straighten out toextend receptacle element 1620 in front of game surface 1610 (captureposition for movable display object 18), as shown in FIG. 17B. Theactuating mechanism maybe configured to operate at various speeds andpower patterns, such as gradual-fast-gradual or incremental-fullrange-incremental, for example.

Receptacle element 1620 could be positioned behind, in front of (asshown in FIG. 17B) or partially behind and partially in front of (asshown in FIG. 17A) game surface 1610, depending on the position dictatedby the controller (not shown) and actuating mechanism 1700.

The receptacle elements may be positioned relative to the game surfaceby a variety of actuators. The actuators may comprise, for example, amotor and a drive mechanism, a motor and a cam, a motor and lever, amotor and a worm gear, and a solenoid and a spring. Suitable drivemechanisms may include, for example, a driveshaft, a rack and pinionarrangement, and a belt/wheel mechanism. Suitable motors, include, forexample, electromechanical (such as stepper motors and d.c. (directcurrent) motors) or mechanical motors (such as servomotors) known in theart. The actuator may be coupled to the receptacle element via an arm,shaft or bracket arrangement. It is understood that other actuatingmechanisms may be used without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Typically, the actuator moves and changes the position of the receptacleelement relative to the game surface by sliding the receptacle elementin and out of the opening (hole) in the game surface. In the case wherethe receptacle element is in the shape of a cupped plate having twoupturned edges, that is, having a substantially U-shaped cross section,the hole that is configured to receive the receptacle element is alsoU-shaped.

Referring now to FIG. 17C, another embodiment of an actuating mechanismis shown (without opening 1630 or game surface 1610), which is similarto the actuating mechanism shown in FIG. 17A, except that lever arms1710 are replaced by shaft 1740 and actuator 1750 (replacing motor 1730)is directly coupled to shaft 1740. Actuator 1750 may be a solenoid thatmay cause shaft 1740 to move receptacle element 1620 as dictated by thecontroller.

The relationship of various components of the gaming devices presentedand discussed in FIGS. 16 and 17A/17B/17C is shown in schematic form inFIG. 18. For example, the gaming device 1800 includes an input device1810 (for example, a button or a video touch screen) and a controller1820. The controller 1820 is configured to control a gaming device 1800by utilizing a random number generator 1830 to produce random or pseudorandom numbers for each base game or bonus game cycle. For example, theoutcome of a bonus game may be determined by comparing the random numberto a table of outcomes stored in a memory (not shown) and accessed bythe controller 1820. It is understood that the gaming device 1800 mayoperate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the presentinvention.

As further shown in FIG. 18, controller 1820 is provided incommunication with the receptacle elements 1840 of the display device(corresponding to receptacle elements 1620 of FIGS. 16/17A/17B/17C),movable object detectors (sensors) 1850, receptacle element actuators1860, movable object delivery device/dispenser 1885 and display objectconveyor (object return mechanism) 1895. Controller 1820 is configuredto activate and deactivate the actuators 1860, to detect the presence oftrapped movable display objects 18 in a receptacle element 1840, toaward a prize to the player, and to terminate the game. The controller1820 may be one or more computers (not shown) or processor boards (notshown). Also, the controller 1820 may be configured to communicate withdisplay lights 1870 and speakers 1880 for visual and sound effects.

The controller 1820 also is configured to generate and to detect when abonus activating event occurs for activation of a bonus game cycle,which may include activation of the movable object deliverydevice/dispenser 1885 along with object return mechanism 1895. Thecontroller 1820 will determine which receptacle elements 1840 to retractor extend based on the game outcome determined by the random numbergenerator 1830. Using a sensor(s) 1850, the controller 1820 then candetect when a movable display object 18 has been captured by thedesignated receptacle element 1840 and proceed with the subsequent gamestep activations.

When the controller 1820 detects a bonus activating event, it may begina bonus game cycle by activating, for example, the movable objectdelivery device/dispenser 1885 (as described above), as well as videoscreen(s) (not shown), display lights 1870 or light emitting diodes (notshown). These devices may indicate that a player has qualified for abonus game cycle and may prompt the player to perform an action, such asactivating input device 1810. A bonus game cycle ends when thecontroller 1820 deactivates the receptacle actuators 1860 andtransport/delivery of the movable display objects 18 is stopped.

It is understood that various combinations, additions, subtractions, andsubstitutions can be made to the above described embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. For example, movabledisplay objects 18 other than balls may be used. In certain embodiments,only one movable display object 18 need be used.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of various embodiments of this invention.The specification above, for instance, makes reference to bonus prizes.However, the present invention is not thereby intended to be limited toproviding bonus prizes. Rather it is intended that the present inventioncan, in certain embodiments, be used independently as a stand-alone gamewithout necessarily including, or functioning as, a bonus game. Thus,the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims as issuedand their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

1. A gaming device comprising: (A) at least one game apparatus configured to allow a player to play a game; (B) at least one movable display object; (C) at least one receptacle element configured to receive the movable display object; (D) a game symbol associated with at least one of the movable display object or the receptacle element, wherein the game symbol communicates game-related information; (E) a game surface comprising al opening configured to slideably receive the receptacle element; and (F) an actuator coupled to the receptacle element, the actuator configured to slide the receptacle element within the opening, wherein the receptacle element may be made to: (i) catch and hold the movable display object when the actuator extends the receptacle element to a first position in front of the game surface, and (ii) be unable to hold the movable display object when the actuator retracts the receptacle element to a second position in back of the game surface or at least partially retracted relative to the first position.
 2. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the receptacle element comprises a substantially U-shaped cross section.
 3. The gaming device of claim 2 wherein the opening is substantially U-shaped.
 4. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of amotor and a drive mechanism, a motor and a cam, a motor and lever, a motor and a worm gear, and a solenoid and a spring.
 5. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the game surface comprises a bottom portion and a top portion, further comprising a display object conveyor configured to transport the movable display object from the bottom portion to the top portion of the game surface.
 6. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the game surface is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation.
 7. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising at least one controller in communication with the actuator and the game apparatus, the controller being configured to determine a random game outcome and to activate the actuator to cause change in position of the receptacle element in accordance with the random game outcome, thereby displaying the random game outcome to the player by associating the random game outcome with the receptacle element having the movable object constrained therein.
 8. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising a housing configured to enclose the at least one movable display object, the at least one receptacle element, and the game surface.
 9. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the game-related information comprises a game outcome.
 10. A gaming device comprising: (A) game apparatus means for allowing a player to play a game; (B) display object means for communicating a game outcome; (C) receptacle means for holding the display object means; (D) symbol means for communicating the game outcome; (E) surface means for providing interaction of the display object means with the receptacle means; and (F) actuator means for controlling position of the receptacle means relative to the surface means.
 11. The gaming device of claim 10 further comprising display object conveyor means for transporting the display object means from a bottom portion to a top portion of the surface means.
 12. The gaming device of claim 10 wherein the actuator means is selected from one or more of the group consisting of motor means, cam means, lever means, gear means, solenoid means and spring means.
 13. A method of playing a game comprising, but not all necessarily in order shown: (A) releasing at least one movable display object from a top portion of a game surface; (B) selectively positioning at least one receptacle element to constrain the movable display object within the receptacle element; and (C) displaying a game outcome to a player by associating the game outcome with the at least one receptacle element or the movable display object constrained therein.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising associating game-related indicia with the at least one receptacle element or the movable display object, wherein the indicia communicate the game outcome.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising transporting the movable display object from a bottom portion to the top portion of the game surface.
 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising allowing the player to pre-select at least one receptacle element displayed on the game surface via a player input device.
 17. The method of claim 13 further comprising allowing the player to pre-select at least one movable display object via a player input device. 